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Most people have some form of digestive malfunction. Unfortunately, most people assume their digestive problems are not important. S/he usually thinks along these lines: “I just have heartburn,” or “It’s too bad that I had to be born into a family who’s always constipated,” or “Certain foods always give me gas.” Digestive disturbances should not be ignored in the early stages, when they are easiest to correct, because they can lead to more serious problems.

Many people, who develop a burning in the pit of the stomach, take antacids to “neutralize the excess acid.” This approach accepts digestive failure as normal.

Different forms of digestive disturbance (such as burning and gas with an associated bloated feeling) have specific correlations with what is wrong in the digestive system, and with what can ultimately develop. Burning in the stomach region, or so-called heartburn, usually indicates either too much or not enough hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is necessary for digestion, but the concentration of the acid must be correct for normal function. When too much acid is present, it irritates the lining and can cause a sore, which is an ulcer. The sore can become large enough to bleed and, ultimately to perforate the wall of the stomach or small intestine.

A very similar burning sensation in the stomach area can be caused by too little hydrochloric acid. Too little hydrochloric acid can possibly cause more problems than too much, because hydrochloric acid is necessary for protein digestion, calcium metabolism and more. If protein is not properly digested, the body suffers from not having the basic building blocks necessary to make new tissues and chemicals. The body will age more rapidly and function poorly in many respects.

Hydrochloric acid production is regulated by the nervous system. Too much or too little hydrochloric acid indicates that the mechanism controlling acid production is out of balance and should be returned to normal by a doctor trained in correcting the body’s nervous system.

Sometimes the burning sensation that develops in the upper portion of the digestive system is the result of a hiatal hernia. There is an opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus is joined to the stomach. If this opening enlarges, a small portion of the stomach can protrude into the chest cage. Acid is not held in the stomach, it is allowed to pass up into the esophagus, thus causing a severe burning pain around the chest, as well as other symptoms.

Applied Kinesiology evaluation and treatment have been very successful in correcting hiatal hernias because of the ability to improve muscular function. The diaphragm is a muscle, and like any other muscle, can be returned to normal by correcting the energy patterns.

Dr. Susan Bobak is director of the Healing Arts Center of Covina and a Chiropractor since 1982. (626) 859-6480

646 East Eremland • Covina • CA (Just south of Rowland, between Citrus & Barranca)